The Third Rate ships-of-the-line were the core of the battle fleet. The typical Third rater was a 74 gun two deck ship , and in many ways was the ideal compomise of economy, fighting power and sailing performance. They carried 32 pounder guns on the gundeck and 18 pounders on the upper deck, with a crew of 600 to 650.

Constructed by Capt. S.D. Kirk over a three year period ,with research into similar ships of the period

This model depicts a typical English warship of the Third Rate of around 1750. From about 1630, there were six classes of Rates, First Rates with more than 90 guns, Second Rates between 80 and 90 guns, Third Rates between 50 and 80 guns, Fourth rates between 38 and 50 guns, Fifth rates between 18 and 38 guns, and Sixth Rates with less than 18 guns. First ,Second, and Third Rates were ships-of-the-line in general fleet actions, Fourth Rates as guard ships for convoys of merchant ships ,for foreign water cruising and distant explorations, Fifth Rates as fleet reconnaissance ships and for operating against privateers, and Sixth Rates for coastal patrol duties.

Ship model, English warship, 3rd Rate of the line, c 1750 period, made by Capt S D Kirk, Australia, 1975-1978 (OS)
Ship model, 18th century warship, scale 1:75, Third Rate of the line, plank on frame, complete with running & standing rigging, masts, yards and tops. Deck details include painted rampant lion with crown as figurehead, anchors with bound stocks, blocks, catheads, belaying rails and pins, deck rails and companionways, 64 guns in carriages, hinged gun ports with lion head decoration, glazed quarter galleries and glazed stern windows with elaborately carved figures. Further details include three stern lanterns, two ship's boats with thwarts, oars, tiller and rudder, spare timber lashed to the deck. Finished in white, natural wood, black with gilded decoration and venetian red. Mounted on three columns on a wooden base inside a glass case. Capt. S.D. Kirk, Australia, 1975 - 1978 (OF).

Made: 1975 - 1978

B2345

1975 - 1978

1060 mm

670 mm